1
as in dual
consisting of two members or parts that are usually joined
the double-edged purpose of the sales promotion is to clear out existing stock and to attract new customers
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2
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
her double-edged remark that she hoped that I ultimately got what I deserved
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Recent Examples of double-edged
On Day 1, a landmark Roland Garros moment for the U.S. was double-edged, a rising talent made a statement and a Frenchman was almost caught short on the court.
—
Ava Wallace, New York Times, 24 May 2026
The movie’s Spanish title could also be translated as The Thaw, as fitting and double-edged as The Meltdown, but with a slightly different slant, as in Lina’s eventual warming to Inés.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
The blade was at least ten inches long and double-edged, honed on one side with a wavy scalloped finish, the other a jagged toothing like a lumberjack’s saw.
—Chang-Rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
To call a musician a virtuoso can be double-edged.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
There, too, his advocacy is double-edged.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Given the fact that more than 20 of her rapists are still roaming free, this fame may be double-edged.
—Gaby Wood, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
However, trust is double-edged.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Putin boasts of Russia’s record-low 2.3% unemployment rate, but this sword is double-edged.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
Ava Wallace, New York Times, 24 May 2026
The movie’s Spanish title could also be translated as The Thaw, as fitting and double-edged as The Meltdown, but with a slightly different slant, as in Lina’s eventual warming to Inés.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
The blade was at least ten inches long and double-edged, honed on one side with a wavy scalloped finish, the other a jagged toothing like a lumberjack’s saw.
—Chang-Rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
To call a musician a virtuoso can be double-edged.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
There, too, his advocacy is double-edged.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Given the fact that more than 20 of her rapists are still roaming free, this fame may be double-edged.
—Gaby Wood, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
However, trust is double-edged.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Putin boasts of Russia’s record-low 2.3% unemployment rate, but this sword is double-edged.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-edged
Adjective
-
Anxiety over ChatGPT and other emerging technology helped derail talks with both unions and the AMPTP in 2023, leading to crippling dual strikes.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
-
The Apex kitchen comes equipped with a dual-place induction cooktop, rectangular sink, 12V compressor fridge and convection microwave.—
C.C. Weiss
May 30,
New Atlas,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
The entity known as Mother is left ambiguous, as is the tree inside the Cave of Wonders, but there are hints to their true nature.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
If a serious spending-reduction effort were somehow mounted anyway, the result would likely be positive for bonds — but ambiguous for equities, since the economic drag could easily outweigh the benefit of lower interest rates.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sandy Burcenski, founding director of environmental organization Citizens Against Ruining the Environment, disagreed with the mayor’s presentation of the situation as a binary choice.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
-
More importantly, the rollout of quantum devices could be more seamless, as chip makers shift from binary bits to qubits without a major overhaul of manufacturing processes.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
No recent performance of Hiller’s looms as large, though, as his warmly cryptic episodic turn on Pluribus as Larry the friendly biker (complete with fabulous bike shorts).—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2026
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Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret location where they’re tasked with deciphering cryptic codes, uncovering hidden symbols, navigating shifting alliances and outwit enemies and operatives stationed around the campus.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
One butcher joined the march with the longest carving fork Ursula had ever seen, twin tines glittering sharp overhead.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
With Josh, Shannon shares twin boys Hendrix and Haze, 2.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
From tasting menus that spotlight a single grain variety to butcher counters featuring specific heritage breeds, professional kitchens are translating obscure agricultural choices into experiences diners remember.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
-
What obscure motive lay behind this one?—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
If the second section presents the diagnosis, then in the footnote to Howl Ginsberg writes a prescription, because if we’re oppressed by a dark faith then the only antidote is a different one.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Villains could hide in the giant banyan tree or lurk in the spookily dark new flotation room; a fight scene might involve someone crashing down the waterfall-wall in the centre of the wellness centre.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Double-edged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-edged. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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